Just a rant on tech support

[Mark1972]

Maybe I'm just being grumpy, but when I call a company and ask for technical advice on choosing an engine part, I expect some form of expert advice. It's been widely discussed on this and other forums that when it comes to carburetion, you can't just look at CFM. Yes, there is a formula. But I thought the formula would be a guideline. Something used to get in the ballpark. When I call Holley and Edelbrock, and ask specifically for their advice on which carb they would suggest, all I got was the CFM formula. Really guys? Am I expecting too much or what? The general consensus is the Holley 4160 750 vacuum secondary is the way to go for my 440. It's the recommendation of the engine builder. I just like doing my own research. I'm just a little disappointed that these companies tech support departments, which are supposed to be the leaders of automotive air/fuel delivery, used the CFM calculation and that was it. For what it's worth, they both suggested carbs in the 650 CFM range. Ok, I feel better.

 

[hunt2elk]

I've been down that road before also. They all just use the standard formula. You need to find somebody who does a lot of engine tuning and dynoing to get their opinion. I would run a 750 or so on a 440.

 

[yella71]

really? you think the person behind the phone is an "expert" ? what else do you want help with? everything?

 

[Derwud]

What is a Carburetor?
Kidding, to small is better for street.. So that is why they will go small..

 

[Lefty71]

REAL tech advice comes from mom-n-pop speed shops! They are the backbone of the muscle industry. Don't forget it.

 

[62MAX]

really? you think the person behind the phone is an "expert" ? what else do you want help with? everything?

THIS !!

 

[Sahara]

THIS !!

Especially since he already knew the answer that he wanted to hear when he asked the question.

 

[Curiousyellow71]

I have never cared for a 4160, never will. Hate working on them. Holley 4150 is a great carb.
Someone recommended a 650? That is what I would put on your old 318. With edelbrock heads 750 is absolute minimum.. and I would not hesitate to go 800 or bigger on a 440 with your combo.
I've never been a fan of vacuum secondaries. But with the right spring they are ok, but they seldom come with the right spring.

Go for a double pumper...Gas is going to be cheap this summer. LOL

 

[Hey-O]

The reason they go to the math is, one size doesn't fit all and carburetors are designed for street or race. They tell you one thing and you're doing the other, then you're mad at them. A street engine spends most of its life between idle and four thousand RPM. A race engine will spend most of its life from forty-five hundred RPM and up and not like hanging out at an idle. If it's stock, then go back stock. The engine builders recommendation is 750, then I would think he knows what's in the engine. To me, the 750 is a stand by for about any engine given the right build. I have never owned a 440, but I've had 750 QF on 350, 383, 406 small block Chevy's and they got the job done. Just my opinion.

 

[Mark1972]

really? you think the person behind the phone is an "expert" ? what else do you want help with? everything?

I don't assume they are an expert. I was just surprised that they asked the cubic inches, and then gave me a CFM number. That was it. I don't want help with "everything". I just expect the same attention to detail to my inquiries that my customers expect from me when I'm asked questions on job sites.

 

[dvw]

We used a Edelbrock 600 with a low compression 440 7.8-1? with Edelbrock heads, Performer RPM intake, .484" purple shaft, headers, stock 11" converter, 3.91, 255/60 street radial T/A's. It would run 12.90-13.0@110 in a stock 65 Belvedere. Drove nice on the street.
Doug

 

[68Moparmaniac]

Without knowing what spec. your engine is built to but a mild 440 built street engine would be fine with the 750, I agree on the 4150 platform from a previous post. All in all it's a carb, be prepared to tinker brother.
I went with 1000 cfm EFI in my application, no more hauling around a box of jets and power valves. Change is at your finger tips with EFI, I can have different settings saved on the tablet, #1) for crusing #2) FOR KILL....